Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported that cardiovascular disease accounted for 17.8% of all deaths in South Africa in 2024. A total of 474,366 deaths were registered with the Department of Home Affairs, with chronic diseases responsible for more than 60% of all registered deaths, the highest proportion since 1997. This data was released as Heart Awareness Month drew to a close on World Heart Day on September 29.
The Stats SA report revealed that cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, other forms of heart disease, and ischaemic heart diseases, have consistently accounted for a significant proportion of deaths over the past decade. From 2014 to 2024, CVDs accounted for an average of 17.9% of all deaths. The burden of CVDs shows a clear sex and age differential, with men's cardiovascular mortality accelerating sharply from the age of 40.
The mortality rates for men and women differ significantly as they age. Among men, cardiovascular mortality reached its highest number in the 65–69 age group, with 5,176 deaths. In contrast, women's deaths remained lower than those of men until the 65–69 age group, where 5,015 deaths were recorded. However, from age 70, female deaths surpassed male deaths, reaching a peak of 5,903 deaths among women aged 80–84.
Two cardiovascular conditions feature prominently in South Africa's mortality profile: hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, which includes stroke. In 2024, hypertensive diseases accounted for 5.5% of all registered deaths, while cerebrovascular diseases accounted for 5.4%. These conditions ranked second and third, respectively, among the leading causes of death, behind diabetes at 6.1%.
There are also provincial differences in the leading causes of death. Hypertensive diseases were the leading cause of death in six provinces, while cerebrovascular diseases were the leading cause in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa estimates that approximately 225 South Africans die from heart disease every day, about 82,125 deaths a year.
Experts point to urbanization and changing diets as factors contributing to the high rates of cardiovascular disease. About 67% of South Africans live in urban areas, where diets often involve greater exposure to processed foods, sugary drinks, and higher-kilojoule meals, alongside lower consumption of whole fruit and vegetables. Registered dietitian Leane Kiezer suggests that heart-conscious eating does not have to mean eliminating foods or pursuing perfection.
Nutritionists recommend making informed food choices to support heart health. Kiezer highlights yoghurt as a possible source of protein, calcium, and potassium, while Megan Pentz-Kluyts, an independent nutrition and dietetics consultant, advocates for diets that include whole fruit, vegetables, and healthier fats, such as canola oil. The 80/20 approach offers another way of thinking about dietary habits, making nutrient-rich foods the majority of daily choices while allowing room for occasional indulgence.
Key points
- Cardiovascular disease caused 17.8% of deaths in South Africa in 2024.
- Chronic diseases accounted for more than 60% of all registered deaths in 2024.
- Experts recommend heart-conscious eating and lifestyle choices to prevent cardiovascular disease.
